Cuticle Ultrastructure Changes in the Crab Scylla serrata Over the Molt Cycle

Morphological and chemical studies on the cuticle during the molt cycle of the crab Scylla serrata were performed in order to understand the layer formation. Cuticle ultrastructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy-dispersive, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence analysis were used for identification of the elements and phases in the inner surface of the cuticle. In the first stage (A) of cuticle formation, a thin pellicle organized as an irregular fragmented structure is built. It is composed mainly of alpha-chitin/protein beta-keratin-like complexes where heterogeneous mineral nucleation occur. It is impregnated by ferric concretions, responsible for the brown colour of the carapace. At the beginning of the mineralization process, a spheroidal inorganic phase appears consisting of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) Ca/P=1.00, octacalcium phosphate (OCP) Ca/P=1.33 associated with hydromagnesite and bromapatite traces. During further cuticle development in the remaining A stage and in the beginning of the B stage, calcite and magnesian calcite are formed from the precursor calcium phosphate phase. The next development in the C stages is characterized by intense calcareous thickening consisting mainly of calcite and of magnesian calcite, which become the major mineral fraction of the cuticle. Organic-inorganic complex precipitations exhibit different aspects as spongiform, filamentary helicoidal, and concentric radial arrangements during C1, C2, and C3, respectively. During different stages of the cuticle formation in Scylla serrata, these mineral deposits may partially result from the balance among different organic contents, mainly between alpha-chitin and protein beta-keratin-like compounds. On the other hand, the calcium crystallization on apatite and calcite polymorphic structures may be influenced by variations of physico-chemical factors in the cuticle compartment. J. Exp. Zool. 293:414-426, 2002.